Wazzup Pilipinas!?
We all know that the SM
Mall of Asia (MOA) is a popular destination for unforgettable gastronomic and
recreational experiences, but did you know that the 67-hectare Mall of Asia
Complex where MOA stands is engineered to withstand disasters caused by natural
hazards?
The foundation of the Mall of Asia Complex was
built to be safe and secure because SM Prime Holdings, Inc., one of Southeast
Asia’s largest integrated property developers incorporates disaster resiliency
measures in every project, with the MOA Complex as one of its biggest
investments.
SM Prime collaborated with a team of local
and international experts to ensure the feasibility of both water and land
before the MOA complex was built and once finalized, Belgium’s renowned coastal
development construction company, Jan de Nul, developed it from
the ground up.
The reputable Jan de Nul made sure the
terrain was stable and the complex’s roads were made resistant to earthquakes
and erosion, in accordance with the National Structural Code of the Philippines
and approved by both the Philippine Reclamation Authority and the National
Government.
Three important disaster resiliency
features were used in protecting the Complex and the coastal community of Pasay
from tides and waves: One, a three-kilometer seawall built to stand against
liquefaction; two, a meter-high inverted wave return to serve as defense
against high waves; and three, a drainage channel to prevent floods during
storm surges. This was put to test when Typhoon Pedring hit in 2011, and the
Mall of Asia Complex was spared from destructive waves and flooding that submerged
many other surrounding establishments.
As an added feature, both the Complex’s main road and all its structures are elevated 4 meters above the parameters set by the National Building Code. Pilings strengthened its foundation and greatly improved its soil bearing capacity.
Family fun, leisure and entertainment are the objectives behind the awe-inspiring grandeur of SM Mall of Asia, but this vision is founded on a commitment to safety and a secure foundation throughout the Complex. This is a firm philosophy of SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Mr. Hans T. Sy, a champion for disaster resilience, who continuously invests in DRR and in allocating 10% of the company’s expenditure for DRR in all of SM’s infrastructures throughout the country.
“Today, disasters have become more frequent and severe. The government and the private sector must work together to find solutions for greater resiliency. SM prime as a responsible property developer places Disaster Risk Reduction as one of its core strategies. It simply makes good business sense.” emphasizes Mr Hans Sy. He believes that not only is DRR an effective way to grow the business but it protects the communities where SM is located amid the increasing risks of climate change.
Today, the MOA Complex is a bustling realization
of Mr. Henry Sy Sr.’s grand vision for it to become both a premiere integrated
leisure destination with a complimentary business and lifestyle district – one
of the country’s truly revolutionary mixed-use developments, and a thriving
example of disaster risk reduction at work.
The next time you visit the MOA Complex – whether it is to visit the world’s largest IKEA, or to view the sunset from the top of the MOA Eye, or to simply shop and dine with your loved ones – it will be good to know that SM Prime has ensured your safety and security from the time the development was conceptualized and opened in 2006.. to today and tomorrow.
SM Prime Holdings Inc., one of the leading property developers in Southeast Asia, is committed to providing safe and sustainable spaces for its stakeholders. Its development strategy is anchored on the responsible use of resources. In the communities it serves, it is able to promote resource conservation, environmental protection, and disaster resiliency by implementing solutions for water, waste, and energy management.
SM Prime is a key player in the SM Green Movement that aims to improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green living and a green culture.
Find out more about SM Prime and the SM Green Movement-- visit www.smprime.com and www.sminvestments.com/sustainability/sm-for-the-community/sm-green-movement/
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Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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